Stuart Horner ends his protest on top of Strangeways (Image: Joel Goodman)

Tragic death of former teacher

In other news we reported how a former teacher may have been swept into a fast-flowing river while trying to secure plant pots and a canoe in dreadful weather conditions, an inquest heard.

Valerie Weston, of Chapel Terrace, Irwell Vale , near Ramsbottom, disappeared on March 30 after enjoying an evening with friends.

Burnley Coroners Court heard how the mum-of-two was due to go on a campervan holiday to Shell Island in North Wales the next day, however the alarm was raised after her son Joseph could not find her and alerted the police.

Mrs Weston, who previously worked as a teacher and teaching adviser and had just been given the all-clear from cancer, was found on April 1, 10 miles downstream in Bury following a large underwater search.

Coroner Richard Taylor ruled she died of an accidental death in a 'dreadful accident'.